The twinkle lights are up, and Lisbon has gone full festive with a hint of humor, thanks to classical music in churches, Romans baking cookies, and a cinema program that has something for everyone. Proceed with curiosity. And layers.
Dec 5 , 7, 12, & 14 | LIVE MUSIC | Countryside Concert Cycle | Various churches | FREE
Turns out Lisbon’s churches aren’t just for quiet reflection, donation boxes, and the occasional wedding — they’re hosting four free concerts spanning centuries of sacred music, from Iberian Baroque to Italian fanfare. Expect saintly stories, shadow play, and flute solos to get things started. The first gig even revives a long-lost oratorio connected to São Vicente de Fora, because music history comes with plot twists. More info here.
Dec 6, 13, 20, & 27 | WORKSHOP | Science Workshop: Solar Cars | MAAT | 11h30 | 8–11€
Kids + electricity + competitive racing? What could possibly go wrong? Build some solar-powered cars and race them like Mad Max minus the gasoline and blood bags — because the planet may be burning, but we can at least drive sustainably toward the apocalypse. Great for families, unlike Fury Road, (1 child + 1 adult), ages 6+. Register and get your tickets here.
Dec 7 | WORKSHOP | A Roman Christmas | Teatro Romano | 10h30 | FREE
Forget Santa, let’s talk Saturnalia, ancient Rome’s chaotic holiday season that involved banquets, role reversals, and questionable moral judgment. You’ll learn what Romans ate and drank, and how they celebrated, and then bake some holiday cookies. When in Rome… Register here.
Dec 7 | MARKET | CCB Market | CCB | 10h–18h | FREE
The first Sunday of every month, CCB turns into a stylish flea market chock full of local crafts, cooking demos, kids’ stuff, and probably at least one or two fancy handmade soaps that will aromatically transform your bathroom. Perfect for holiday panic shopping. Get more info here.
Dec 8 | FILM + LIVE MUSIC | The Snowman (with Orchestra) | Cinema São Jorge | 16h30 | FREE
A boy and his snowman go on a magical cinematic journey, scored live by the Portuguese POP Orchestra. Before the movie, musicians demonstrate how their instruments work, which could mean your kid will leave wanting a trumpet for Christmas. Get more details here.
Dec 12 | FILM | Jane by Charlotte | Mouraria Creative Hub | 21h | FREE
Charlotte Gainsbourg turns the camera on her mother, Jane Birkin, for a quiet, candid portrait of their relationship. Part documentary, part therapy session, fully fascinating. Part of the Culture Around the Corner series: cinema, arts, and zero ticket cost. More info can be found here.
to Dec 19 | CINEMA + DANCE + ART | Lisbon Screendance Festival (InShadow) | Various venues/times
Film, choreography, cameras, bodies, and sometimes none of the above in the right order. This festival stretches the line between movement and cinema across 14 venues, with workshops, performances, photography exhibits, and screenings at Cinemateca. Highlights include interactive dance filmmaking workshops, a SALT performance by Maddalena Ugolini, and a Brigadoon screening, because December needs mystery, enchantment, and Gene Kelly. Get the full program here.
Dec 18 – 21 | THEATER | Not a Love Letter | Espaço Escola de Mulheres | 21h / 17h30 | €12.50
A play about love, endings, beginnings, maybe fear, maybe hope…possibly all at once. Based on Fernando Pinto do Amaral’s work, this production asks where love takes us, and what’s left when it takes too much. For romantics, skeptics, and everyone in between. Tickets can be found here.
Dec 31 | NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY | Praça do Comércio | 20h – 1h | FREE
Lisbon rings in 2026 with a riverfront party starting at 21h30. DJ Mojo and MC Márcio Jesus kick things off with Afro house, pop, and reggaeton, followed by PLUTONIO bringing his hip-hop/trap/RnB mix right up to the midnight countdown. Expect ten minutes of fireworks and 250 drones doing their best sci-fi impression over the city. Read more here.
to Jan 4 | FAIR | Wonderland Lisboa | Parque Eduardo VII | FREE
Eduardo VII Park is once again transformed into Lisbon’s Christmas HQ. Expect a giant ferris wheel, a faux ice rink, Santa’s house, craft markets, and trinkets everywhere. As many can attest, this annual installation is likely responsible for half the city’s hot chocolate and mulled wine consumption. Details can be found here.
Found a hidden speakeasy Santa or a treasure trove of ugly Christmas sweaters? Drop us a line at atlaslisboa@gmail.com.
